Every question from this NCERT chapter, with a detailed explanation.
With reference to the political changes around 3000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent, consider the following statements regarding the Ashvamedha sacrifice: 1. The horse let loose was guarded by the raja’s men and allowed to wander freely. 2. If a rival king allowed the horse to pass, it signified his challenge to the authority of the raja performing the sacrifice. 3. Ordinary people, known as the vish or vaishya, were strictly prohibited from bringing gifts to the sacrifice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system described by the priests in the Later Vedic books: 1. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were both eligible to perform sacrifices. 2. The Shudras were the only group explicitly excluded from studying the Vedas. 3. The classification of Varnas was strictly based on the occupation chosen by an individual in adulthood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system in the Mahajanapadas: 1. The tax on crops was the most important source of revenue and was fixed at one-sixth of the produce. 2. Herders were exempted from taxation as they did not own land. 3. Hunters and gatherers provided forest produce as a form of tax to the raja. 4. Craftspersons paid taxes in the form of labor, such as working for the king for a day every month. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to the agricultural changes around 2500 years ago, consider the following statements: 1. The use of iron ploughshares allowed heavy, clayey soil to be turned over better than wooden ploughshares. 2. The technique of transplanting paddy was introduced to increase production. 3. The agricultural labor for these new methods was primarily provided by the Kshatriya landowners themselves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The term ‘Bhaga’ in the context of the Mahajanapadas refers to:
Consider the following statements regarding the rise of Magadha as a powerful Mahajanapada: 1. The rivers Ganga and Son provided water supplies and transport. 2. The region had iron ore mines which helped in making strong tools and weapons. 3. The forests in the region provided horses which were essential for the cavalry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Vajji confederacy: 1. It was under a form of government known as Gana or Sangha. 2. In this system, there was a single powerful king who made all decisions without consultation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the fortification of Mahajanapada capital cities: 1. Forts were built primarily to protect people from attacks by other kings. 2. Building huge walls allowed the king to control the land and people inside more easily. 3. The construction of these walls was done voluntarily by the citizens without any central planning. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Gana-Sanghas: 1. Both Buddha and Mahavira belonged to Ganas or Sanghas. 2. Women and Kammakaras were allowed to participate in the assemblies of the Sanghas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to the administration of Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements about resource collection: 1. Rulers depended solely on occasional gifts brought by people. 2. Officials were appointed to collect regular taxes. 3. Weavers and smiths might have worked for the king for a day every month as tax. 4. Goods bought and sold through trade were taxed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The ancient city of Vaishali was the capital of which of the following states?
Who among the following was the minister sent by Ajatasattu to the Buddha to seek advice on attacking the Vajjis?
In the context of the Mahajanapada economy, who were the Kammakaras?
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Painted Grey Ware' (PGW): 1. The plates and bowls made of this ware have a rough, coarse surface. 2. They are decorated with simple lines and geometric patterns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The massive fortification wall discovered at the ancient site of Kaushambi is primarily constructed using:
Consider the following statements regarding the armies of the Mahajanapadas: 1. Soldiers were paid regular salaries and maintained throughout the year. 2. Payments were sometimes made using punch-marked coins. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the natural resources of Magadha: 1. Forests provided wood for building carts and chariots. 2. Iron ore mines in the region were tapped to make tools and weapons. 3. The region was arid and required extensive irrigation canals for agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
To which city was the capital of the Magadha kingdom shifted from Rajagriha?
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Hastinapura | 1. Site of a massive brick wall B. Vaishali | 2. Capital of Vajji C. Rajagriha | 3. Excavated Janapada settlement D. Kaushambi | 4. Early capital of Magadha
In the context of the Ashvamedha sacrifice, the role of the charioteer was to:
Consider the following statements regarding the status of women in the Later Vedic period: 1. They were often grouped with Shudras. 2. They were allowed to study the Vedas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following crops were grown by the people in the Janapada settlements? 1. Rice 2. Wheat 3. Sugarcane 4. Sesame Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Varna hierarchy: 1. The priests divided people into four groups called varnas. 2. The third varna was the vish or vaishyas, who were expected to be farmers, herders, and traders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to the democracy in Athens around 2500 years ago, consider the following statements: 1. All free men over the age of 30 were recognized as full citizens. 2. Appointments for many positions were made through a lottery system. 3. Foreigners living in Athens as merchants had full rights as citizens. 4. Women were not considered citizens. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Mahajanapadas: 1. Most mahajanapadas had a capital city. 2. Many of these capital cities were fortified. 3. The fortification walls were always made exclusively of stone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Later Vedic books: 1. They were composed after the Rigveda. 2. They include the Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
With reference to the taxation on herders in the Mahajanapadas, consider the following statements: 1. They paid taxes in the form of animals. 2. They paid taxes in the form of animal produce. 3. They were exempt from taxes if they lived in forests. 4. They paid taxes in gold coins. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The strategic importance of the Magadha Mahajanapada was enhanced by its location near the confluence of the Ganga and which other river?
Consider the following statements regarding the Vajji confederacy: 1. Women were not held by force or captured. 2. Chaityas (local shrines) were maintained in both towns and villages. 3. Saints of different beliefs were prohibited from entering the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which ruler of the Nanda dynasty is credited with extending control up to the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent?
Consider the following statements regarding the Ashvamedha horse: 1. It was a central figure in the sacrifice. 2. It was guarded by the Raja’s men. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system: 1. Brahmins were expected to study and teach the Vedas. 2. Kshatriyas were expected to fight battles and protect people. 3. Shudras were expected to serve the other three groups. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following best describes the political structure of a Gana or Sangha?
Consider the following statements regarding the taxes on craftspersons in the Mahajanapadas: 1. They were the most important source of revenue. 2. They were often paid in the form of labor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Mahajanapada of Magadha became powerful primarily because:
Consider the following statements regarding the Rajas of the Janapadas: 1. They were chosen by the Jana (people) through universal suffrage. 2. They gained recognition by performing big sacrifices like Ashvamedha. 3. They did not maintain standing armies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following was a capital of the Vajji state?
The term ‘Janapada’ literally means:
Consider the following statements regarding the Painted Grey Ware: 1. It is a type of pottery found in Janapada settlements. 2. It has painted designs, usually simple lines and geometric patterns. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The 'Ashvamedha' ritual, performed by ancient kings to establish sovereignty, involved the release of which animal?
Consider the following statements regarding the Magadha empire: 1. Bimbisara and Ajatasattu used all possible means to conquer other janapadas. 2. Rajagriha was the capital for several years before it was shifted to Pataliputra. 3. Alexander conquered Magadha during his invasion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system: 1. Women were generally allowed to study the Vedas. 2. The Shudras had to serve the other three groups. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the Vajji confederacy?
Which of the following was not a reason for the prosperity of Magadha?